EATON — Investigators with the Preble County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash which occurred in the 5800 block of Lexington Road at approximately 1:25 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 22.

Prior to the crash, PCSO deputies observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed, eastbound on U.S. 35 between Eaton and West Alexandria. Deputies attempted to catch up to the vehicle but were unable to do so, according to a press release issued Monday morning, Oct. 23.

“They estimate that the vehicle was traveling in excess of 80 miles per hour when they first observed it in the Glenwood area,” Sheriff Mike Simpson said in the release. The vehicle was last seen traveling north on Ware Road towards Lexington Road when deputies lost sight of it, the release continued.

“Deputies continued east on Lexington Road to Ohio 503 and did not see the vehicle. Deputies then back-tracked on Lexington Road and located the vehicle off the north side of the roadway in a culvert, where it had crashed,” the release noted.

The preliminary investigation determined Matthew Elswick, 42, was operating the 2010 Mercedes passenger vehicle, when he lost control in a curve.

“The vehicle traveled off the left side of the roadway, rotating counterclockwise and struck a tree in a culvert,” the release noted.

Elswick was pronounced dead at the scene.

Elswick was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, according to the release. Excessive speed and alcohol are suspected factors in the crash.

The crash remained under investigation by the Preble County Sheriff’s Office and the Preble County Coroner’s Office at press time Monday.